Georgia travel budget 2026: Plan your Georgia trip in 2026 with real costs for hotels, food, transport, attractions, SIM/eSIM, and daily budgets for backpacker, mid-range and luxury.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Georgia in 2026? (Complete Budget Guide)

Last updated: 2026

Georgia (the country) is still one of the best-value destinations in the region—but it’s not the “dirt cheap” place older blog posts describe. Prices have risen, especially in Tbilisi and peak-season mountain hubs, yet your money still goes far for the quality you get.

This guide breaks down the realistic 2026 costs you’ll actually pay—accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and practical expenses—then gives you daily budgets and 1-week/2-week budget estimates you can use to plan.

2026 entry note: From January 1, 2026, tourists entering Georgia are required to have valid health & accident insurance. The Georgian consular portal and U.S. Embassy notice this requirement (minimum coverage is referenced as 30,000 GEL).

Quick numbers: average daily spend in Georgia (baseline)

If you want a quick benchmark before planning details: Budget Your Trip estimates an average spend of $38 / 103 GEL per day for travelers in Georgia. Use this as a “center point,” then adjust for your comfort level and travel style.

Currency & payments (what to know before you budget)

• Georgia uses the Georgian lari (GEL) as legal tender.

• In cities, cards are widely accepted, but you’ll still need cash for rural areas, small guesthouses, markets, marshrutkas, and paid toilets.

• ATM fees can apply (plan fewer, larger withdrawals).

Prices in Georgia (2026): the full breakdown

1) Accommodation costs in Georgia (2026)

These are typical ranges you’ll see across Tbilisi and major hubs (higher in peak season, lower in shoulder season):

• Hostel dorm bed: $8–15/night

• Private room in a guesthouse: $30–45/night

• 3-star hotel room: $55–75/night

• Boutique / 5-star hotel: $130–170/night

• Airbnb entire place: $65–100/night in Tbilisi/Batumi; lower in Kutaisi

Budget rule of thumb:
If you want the best value, Georgia rewards you for choosing guesthouses outside big cities (often includes local hospitality and optional home meals).

2) Food & drink costs (what you’ll actually spend)

Georgia is still excellent value for eating out—especially if you mix bakeries + local restaurants.

Typical 2026 reference prices:

• Khinkali (per dumpling): 1.50–3 GEL

• Meal for two (mid-range Georgian restaurant): 60–80 GEL (more in central Tbilisi)

• House wine / bottled wine (glass): roughly 5–15 GEL depending on place/type

• Cappuccino in specialty cafes: 8–10 GEL

• Bottle of water: 1–3 GEL

• Bakery snack (khachapuri/lobiani/pastry): 3–8 GEL

How to eat well on a budget (Georgia-style):

• Breakfast from a neighborhood bakery

• Lunch as a light shared meal

• Dinner at a local Georgian tavern (family-style portions are big)

3) Transportation costs in Georgia (cities + intercity)

City transport (Tbilisi/Batumi)

• Metro / city bus fare: 1 GEL

• Tbilisi uses a transport card (small one-time card cost applies).

Airport transfers

• Private airport transfer (starting from): 60 GEL

Trains & longer distances

• Train tickets: roughly 20–35 GEL for major routes (varies by service class/train type)

Private drivers (great value for groups)

• Day hire / one-way trips vary; a common example range starts around $35+ depending on distance.

Car rental

• From ~$25/day (varies by season and car type)

Budget tip: For many itineraries, a money-smart mix is:
public transport in cities + trains wh Batumi Airport Transfer

4) Attractions & activities (entry fees)

Many churches/monasteries are free, but popular museums and protected areas are paid.

Typical 2026 costs:

• Museum ticket: 5–20 GEL (some major museums can be higher)

• National Heritage Site / Protected Area: 15–20 GEL (some caves/canyons higher)

• Opera/ballet/theatre: from ~30 GEL

• Ski lift pass (winter resorts): 55–70 GEL/day

5) Practical costs (SIM, fees, small stuff)

• SIM card + 1GB data: around 15 GEL

• Some providers offer larger packs / unlimited options (pricing varies by package).

• Public toilets: commonly 0.5–1 GEL Booking Kutaisi Airport Transfers

• Restaurants may add VAT / service charge (service charge doesn’t necessarily go to staff).

Daily budget in Georgia (2026): how much to plan

These are realistic daily ranges used in 2026 budget planning:

• Budget traveler: $30–45/day

• Mid-range traveler: $65–85/day

• High-end traveler: $220+/day

Keep in mind: peak-season Kazbegi/Mestia can be pricier; smaller towns can be cheaper.

Example trip totals (fast planners)

7 days in Georgia (per person)

• Budget: ~$210–315

• Mid-range: ~$455–595

• High-end: ~$1,540+

14 days in Georgia (per person)

• Budget: ~$420–630

• Mid-range: ~$910–1,190

• High-end: ~$3,080+

(Flights are not included; neither are major splurges like private multi-day drivers.)

Tipping in Georgia (simple etiquette)

Tipping isn’t always “mandatory,” but 10% is a common standard in cafes/restaurants when service is good.
If you see a “service fee,” don’t assume it goes to staff.

How to save money in Georgia (without ruining your trip)

• Stay in guesthouses outside cities (great value for comfort)

• Eat breakfast from bakeries (cheap + genuinely good)

• Use metro/buses in Tbilisi (it’s effective and cheap)

• Combine paid attractions: pick 1–2 big ticket sites/day, not five

• Avoid buying tourist SIMs at the airport; get set up in the city

• Build your route to reduce backtracking (transport time is the real hidden “cost”)

FAQ

Is Georgia expensive in 2026?

Compared to many European destinations, Georgia is still very good value—especially for food, transport, and guesthouse stays. things to know before visiting Georgia in 2026 Prices have increased versus older travel guides.

How much money do I need per day in Georgia?

A practical range is $30–45/day for budget travel and $65–85/day for mid-range comfort; luxury travel can exceed $220/day.

What’s the average daily cost for travelers in Georgia?

One commonly cited benchmark is about $38 / 103 GEL per day, then adjusted by style and season.

Do I need travel insurance to enter Georgia in 2026?

Yes. From Jan 1, 2026, tourists are required to have valid health & accident insurance when entering Georgia. Batumi Airport Transfer

• Georgia travel budget 2026: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?
  A complete cost breakdown for 2026—daily budgets, real-world prices, and what “good value” actually looks like in Georgia.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Average Daily Spend (Budget vs Mid-Range vs Luxury)
  Clear daily ranges for different travel styles, plus what’s realistically included in each level.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Accommodation Costs in Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Svaneti & Batumi
  What you’ll pay for hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and rentals—plus where prices jump in peak season.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Food Prices (How to Eat Well Without Overspending)
  Typical meal costs, bakery bargains, and smart dining habits that keep spending low without sacrificing quality.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Transportation Costs (Metro, Taxis, Marshrutkas, Trains)
  A practical guide to getting around cheaply—when to use public transport, when to book transfers, and what to budget.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Tbilisi Airport Transfer Costs & Money-Saving Tips
  The most common “first-day overspend” explained, with simple ways to avoid paying tourist prices.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Intercity Travel Costs for Popular Routes
  What it costs to move between key places like Tbilisi–Kazbegi, Tbilisi–Kutaisi, Kutaisi–Batumi, and more.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Attraction Fees & Paid Activities (What’s Worth It?)
  Entry fees, museums, parks, and paid experiences—plus how to plan 1–2 paid highlights per day.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Hidden Costs That Catch First-Timers
  Bank fees, service charges, tourist markups, mountain logistics, and small daily expenses that add up.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Travel Insurance Cost & 2026 Entry Requirements
  How insurance affects your total trip cost in 2026 and what to check so you don’t buy the wrong policy.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: SIM/eSIM Costs and the Best Value Data Options
  Local SIM vs travel eSIM pricing logic, plus how to pick the best option for cities vs remote regions.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: 7-Day Georgia Budget (Sample Spending Plan)
  A ready example budget for one week—accommodation, food, transport, attractions—so you can copy and adjust.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: 14-Day Georgia Budget (Two-Week Cost Estimate)
  A realistic two-week cost plan with a balanced route and tips to reduce expensive transfers.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Is Georgia Still “Cheap” in 2026? (Value vs Price)
  A nuanced answer: costs are up, but Georgia remains excellent value—especially compared to much of Europe.

• Georgia travel budget 2026: Money-Saving Strategy (Where to Splurge, Where to Cut)
  A practical framework: spend on comfort where it matters (mountain transfers, quality stays) and save on the easy wins (bakeries, transit, timing).